North Carolina State University Athletics
Women's Tennis Prepares For Big Weekend
4/12/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
April 12, 2002
RALEIGH, N.C. - The NC State women's tennis team will wrap-up regular season competition this weekend at home on the courts of the Wolfpack Tennis Complex. Saturday and Sunday's match-ups pit teams who are trying to finish strong after a season of streaks.
The Wolfpack will play host to the Virginia Cavaliers Saturday at noon. The Cavaliers defeated Maryland on Wednesday, but rode a four-game losing streak into the match. Virginia enters the match ranked No. 70 in the ITA Poll with a record of 11-7 (2-4). Though Virginia's roster garnishes no nationally ranked singles players, they have a reputation of holding their own. Henriette Williams holds the No. 1 position in the line-up for the Cav's, and has beaten two ranked opponents in her two latest attempts, including the No. 3 singles player in the nation, Duke's Kelly McCain.
Maryland visits the Wolfpack on Sunday in the season finale. Prior to Friday's match with Wake Forest, Maryland is 9-9 on the season and 1-5 in the ACC. The Terps haven't found much luck in the latter half of the spring and have dropped five straight matches. Despite the streak of bad luck, Maryland remains in the polls at No. 52 and poses as a threat to the Wolfpack.
Victories in Saturday and Sunday's matches would truly benefit the Pack, as the ACC Tournament is right around the corner. Seeding for the matches will be announced on Tuesday. If the Wolfpack can pick up two wins this weekend, they would move out of Thursday's potential match-up with the top team in the conference. Duke and North Carolina are both undefeated, but will square off on Sunday in what could be the deciding match.
Sunday the Wolfpack will salute its seniors for their dedication and leadership to the team. Katrina Gildemeister and Kristen Nicholls have been two of the finest individuals to pass through the Wolfpack tennis program. On Sunday, they will make their last call and take their last bow on their home court.
Gildemeister, a native of Durham, is a two-year co-captain for the Wolfpack. She holds a career record of 23-36 in singles competition and 25-31 in doubles play. She has provided technical support to the team and appreciates a team effort in what is normally considered an individual's sport. Gildemeister is a member of the two-time NC Tennis Family of the Year. Her sister Marissa was a member of the Wolfpack squad from 1997-2000. Gildemeister will graduate in May 2003 with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.
Nicholls, who hails from Roswell, Georgia, is also a two-year co-captain. Her career with the Wolfpack has been very consistent. She has provided leadership to her team and gained their respect. Nicholls owns a four-year total of 28-45 in singles play and 24-31in doubles. Nicholls will graduate from NC State in December 2002 with a degree in Business Management and is to be married in June of 2003.
The athletics department salutes these ladies for their accomplishments and would like to invite the fans to festivities on Sunday to celebrate their tenure at NC State. A cookout will be held prior to Sunday's match, which begins at noon. Refreshments will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Wolfpack on Senior Day.
SATURDAY
NC STATE vs. VIRGINIA, 12:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
NC STATE vs. MARYLAND, 12:00 p.m.
